Think outside the box in Year of Youth

HONG KONG (SE): Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung encouraged members of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Schools Council, among them principals and supervisors of diocesan schools, to respond to the Year of Youth by looking into new ways of helping young people draw closer to Christ.

Speaking at the council’s annual general meeting at Caritas Hall, Caine Road, on December 1, the bishop of Hong Kong remarked that the Year of Youth is meant to call attention to the needs of young people and he encouraged Catholic schools to explore new ways to lead young people to Christ.

Bishop Yeung reminded those present of the five core values of Catholic education—truth, justice, love, life and family—and said that education is more than imparting knowledge, but also includes teaching young people to make right choices and to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

The bishop said that he had already discussed issues related to young people with some Church groups.

He believes there are no winners in the local education system as it presently stands as young people feel constrained by the pedagogy; both students and parents are tired of the endless cycle of homework and examinations; while school sponsoring bodies are under various kinds of pressure and the government has its own concerns and worries.

He warned that a poor education system will take its toll on society.

Bishop Yeung believes the Church should do more to understand young people and dialogue with them—the reason for launching the Year of Youth (Sunday Examiner, 24 December 2017).

Peter Lau Chiu-yin, the episcopal delegate for education from the Catholic Education Office, encouraged those present to look at the Advent message of the bishop, in which he addresses the young people of Hong Kong, for inspiration in formulating policies.

He says these need not be limited to the Year of Youth, but could also serve as a starting point for approaching students, as well as young employees.

Lau invited schools to think outside of the box and allow different parties to get involved in the process. He also encouraged educationalists to have a shepherd’s heart in showing more concern for teachers, students and parents.

Joseph Kung Kwong-pui, the chairperson of the Diocesan Schools Council, then delivered the annual report on the work of the council.

He pointed out that the council spent much of the past two years training religious education teachers to carry out their work under the Incorporated Management Committees scheme.

Kung also expressed hope for more cooperation between schools run by the diocese, Caritas and those run by religious institutes.